Village Licenses & Permits

The Village issues a number of different kinds of licenses and permits for a variety of different activities in the Village. This page is meant to help residents and businesses quickly locate the information they're locating for in one centralized spot. For any questions regarding a license or permit, please refer to the applicable Department listed with the permit type.

Animal Licenses

Under the municipal code, all cats and dogs must be licensed annually. To obtain license tags, you must provide a current rabies certificate for each animal. Please note that a breeder or hobbyist must also obtain an additional permit. To learn about regular animal licenses, please see this page. For information on a breeder or hobbyist permit, please visit this page.

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Bicycle License

While not required, a bicycle license can increase the likelihood of it being returned if it is lost or stolen. This is a free service the Police Department offers to the public. To register your bicycle, please use this form.

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Block Party Permits

If you would like to host a block party, please review and complete the application at this link and return it to the Public Works Department. Please note that if you would like to request a special visit from the Fire Department as part of the event, these forms must be submitted two weeks in advance of the proposed date.

Do I Need a Building Permit?

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Business License

The Village of Northbrook requires a general business license for a number of specific businesses. Also, the State of Illinois requires certain types of businesses to obtain a license or permit to operate.

Do I Need a Business License?

See a list of businesses requiring a business license at this link. Please note: A business may require multiple licenses. See the business license page for more information.

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Commercial Solicitation Permit

Any business that wishes to go door to door, whether to a business or residence, may only do so after securing a permit for commercial solicitation. Please contact the Police Department directly for information.

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Construction Trade

In the Village of Northbrook, plumbing, electrical, concrete, and general construction work must be performed under the direct supervision of contractors licensed by the Village of Northbrook for that particular trade. Licenses are issued through the Development and Planning Services Department. Learn more about this license on this page.

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Home Occupation (for home businesses)

Home occupations in Northbrook are regulated to allow only those businesses or uses that are limited in extent, do not detract from the residential character of the neighborhood and are clearly subordinate to the residential use. There are limitations regarding:

Number of employees and customers that can be on site

Structural changes that can be made to the home

How the business operates

Type of impact it can have on the neighborhood

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Liquor Licenses

Businesses involved in the sale of alcoholic beverages must secure a liquor license. Prior to the issuance of a license, specific requirements must be met. See the application and instructions for completing it at this link (PDF). For any questions, please contact the Village Clerk's office. Please note: Those applying for liquor licenses for a special event should use the liquor license form linked under the "Special Event Permits" heading.

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Mobile Food Vendors (Food Trucks)

Mobile food service establishments (i.e. Food Trucks) must secure a business license to operate in the Village of Northbrook. The license is intended for mobile food vendors that utilize a truck, cart, or trailer to dispense pre-packaged or prepared food intended for immediate consumption. A checklist of the Village requirements specific to this license can be found here: Mobile Food Vendor Licenses (PDF).

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Outdoor Seating Area License

An annual license is required to operate any outdoor seating area accessory to a restaurant. The application and instructions for applying for or renewing an outdoor seating area license can be found on the Business Licenses page.

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Raffle License

For information on raffle licenses, please see the "Special Event Permits" section below.

Restaurant, Food, or Vending Machine Permits

A permit is required for any kind of food-related business, including grocery stores, restaurants, food carts, catering, certain home-based products, and vending machines. The Village Clerk’s Office processes the permits for food carts, catering, and vending machines, while the Development and Planning Services Department processes all other food-related business permits. If you are interested in opening a new restaurant or retail food establishment in Northbrook, please download and view our Guide to Opening a New Restaurant (PDF).

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Special Event Permits

From time to time, a number of organizations hold special events (including large gatherings, festivals, fairs, etc.) in the Village. Special event permits help ensure the safety of the public during these times. Since there a number of different potential permits, please visit the Special Event Permit page for a detailed listing of permits as well as instructions on how to determine which permits may be needed.

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Taxicab & Limousine Service

A taxicab vehicle license is required to operate a motorized passenger vehicle within the jurisdiction of Northbrook. This passenger vehicle operator is required to have a current Chauffeur license. In order to dispatch within the Northbrook boundaries, taxicab and limousines firms are required to have a dispatch license. Taxicab operators and vehicle are processed through the Northbrook Police Department. Limousine drivers are regulated by the Secretary of State.

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Tree Removal Permits

The Village requires those seeking to remove trees to submit an application prior to removing any trees with a diameter equal to or greater than six (6) inches in diameter (twelve inches for clump trees). To learn more about tree preservation and removals, please see this webpage.

Tobacco License

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Vehicle License

Under the municipal code, all motor vehicles owned by a Village resident or by a person or entity (including associations, clubs. societies, firms, partnerships and bodies politic and corporate) having its principle place of business in the Village requires a Village vehicle license (often called a "vehicle sticker"). Learn how to apply for a license for your vehicle on the Vehicle Licenses page.